Engineering Physics

Course Code: BPHY101L; Course Type: Theory Only (TH)

Jitendra K. Behera (PhD)

Assistant Professor Gr-II
jitendra.behera@vit.ac.in
Office: #121-E, PRP
 Particle in a finite Potential Box
2 2
I III
ℏ ∂ ψ(x)
− + Vψ(x) = Eψ(x) II
2m ∂x2

Region-1, V ≠ 0 E
2
V V
∂ ψ(x) 2m
+ (E − V ) ψ(x) = 0
∂x2 ℏ2
Region-2, V = 0

∂2ψ(x) 2mE V x≤ 0 Region− I

+ ψ(x) = 0 V(x) =
∂x 2 ℏ2 0 x ≤ 0 − to− x ≥ L Region− II
V x≥ L Region− III

Region-2, V = 0
2
∂ ψ(x) 2m ψ1(x) = Ae k1x 2m(V − E)
+ 2 (E − V) ψ(x) = 0
∴ k1 =
ℏ2
∂x 2 ℏ ψ2(x) = Ce k2 x + De −k2 x
−k1x 2mE
ψ3(x) = Be ∴ k2 =
ℏ2

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Particle in a finite Potential Box
Energy wave function Probability

the wave function of the particle extends outside the well and the probability of the
finding particle outside of the box increases

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Infinite Vs Finite potential well
Finite Well Infinite Well

Wave function

Probability

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Tunneling
From our discussion of the finite potential well, the wave function of the particle extends
outside the well and the probability of the finding particle outside of the box increases. So
you can think that even if the total energy, E of the particle is less than the V, still, there is
the probability we can find it outside, which is forbidden in classical mechanics. Here the
concept of tunneling starts

Classical point of view Quantum point of view

• Macroscopic object
• Microscopic object
• The object having mass=m, K.E=E,
PE=V=0
• if, E<V, there is a finite probability the
• if, E < V = mgh, it will not pass the Hill particle can found other side of the Hill

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Concept of Tunneling: another approach

Classical

Quantum

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Barriers and Tunneling
Consider a particle of energy E approaching a potential barrier of height V0 and the potential
everywhere else is zero.

Now we consider the situation where

classically the particle does not have
enough energy to surmount the potential
barrier, E < V0

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Barriers and Tunneling
So quantum results that there is a non-zero probability

è the particle can penetrate the barrier and emerge on the other side
è the incident particle can tunnel the barrier

ψ1 = Sinu soid al

ψ2 = Exponetntial Decay
or Evanescent wave
ψ3 = Sinu soid al
(lower amplitu de)

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Barriers and Tunneling

The wave function

in region II becomes:

The transmission probability that

describes the phenomenon of tunneling is:

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Tunneling: Problem
In a particular semiconducting device, electrons that are accelerated through a potential difference
of 5 V attempt to tunnel through a barrier of width 0.8 nm and height 10 V. What fraction of
electrons are able to tunnel through the barrier?

Given:

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore

 Tunneling Applications
• α − β, Radio Active decay
• Nuclear Fusion and Fission Process
• Tunnel Diode
• SQUID
• Quantum Computing
• Scanning Tunnelling Microscope

Dr JB: BPHY101L School of Physics,VIT Vellore